Premiership sides locked in the battle for Fernando Llorente

A number of top Premier League sides are weighing up a move for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, according to AS.

The 26-year-old has proved his credentials this season, scoring eight goals in sixteen games.

The player was linked with a move to Tottenham in the summer, and he even admitted that he had rejected an offer from the Spurs.

However, the White Hart Lane outfit is ready to reignite their interest in the Spain international, but they are not the only Premier League club interested.

Arsenal and Manchester City are also keeping tabs on the towering striker, and the three teams could enter a real bidding war in January.

Llorente has a €36 million release clause, but his current deal expires in June 2013, meaning that his value will decrease unless he signs a new contract.